preparatory hearing meaning

Mergers The Commission registered notification in PSPIB/4F/VSA/Citrosuco (M.12265) under the simplified merger route—see also, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker for current merger probes... Antitrust A hearing took place in Case C-762/24 P Conserve Italia and Conserves France v Commission, appealing the General Court’s judgment in Case T-59/22, which annulled the Commission’s decision in Canned vegetables (AT.40127)—see further, application. For all live antitrust appeals before the Court of Justice, consult the Court of Justice appeals—ongoing cases tracker... State aid The Commission has cleared under EU State aid rules: a German scheme (€1.6bn) to roll out public fast-charging stations for electric heavy-duty vehicles (e-HDVs) at non-serviced rest areas on German motorways—see press release a Hungarian scheme (€14.1bn) to back strategic investments expanding clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing in line with the Clean Industrial Deal—see press release France’s compensation to Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Préventives for mandatory excavation searches as last-resort operator during 2008–2021—see Midday Express a Dutch measure (€172m) supporting preparatory work...

In this issue: Court of Protection Elderly and vulnerable clients UK taxes for Private Client HMRC Manuals updates Tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance Budgets and Finance Bills Pensions, insurance and tax efficient investments International Question of the week Daily and weekly news alerts LexTalk®Private Client: a Lexis®PSL community New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Latest Q&As Useful information Court of Protection An appeal was brought against a Circuit Judge’s decision in the Court of Protection, which had summarily resolved the best interests of an elderly patient, VT, on residence and care before medical evidence had been obtained (VT (by her litigation friend, the Official Solicitor) v NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board). The matter came before the High Court in Court of Protection proceedings. The appeal followed the summary disposal of a contested best interests dispute when VT’s capacity remained in issue, and although...

A first appearance in the magistrates’ court is primarily procedural. Although largely administrative, early choices at this stage can shape strategy and practical outcomes for how the matter proceeds. This Practice Note sets out how to get ready for a first hearing in the magistrates’ court, flags the core issues for practitioners, and notes the principal distinctions between acting for individual defendants and for corporate defendants. It summarises the vital preparatory tasks for both prosecution and defence lawyers, together with pointers on completing the necessary forms. To prepare effectively, advocates must predict the likely course of the hearing and secure all relevant instructions in advance. The court expects an effective hearing and is reluctant to allow adjournments save where absolutely necessary. Both sides are obliged to actively assist the court so the case is dealt with efficiently. Thorough preparation safeguards and advances the client’s position and ensures the court has the information required for the case to move forward smoothly. For further guidance on the stages of criminal proceedings,...

A central aim of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2025 (CrimPR 2025), SI 2025/909, is the efficient management of criminal proceedings. In CrimPR 2025, SI 2025/909, Pt 3 sets out the detailed provisions on active case management. CrimPR 2025, SI 2025/909, rr 3.1–3.15 apply to all matters in the magistrates’ court and the Crown Court alike. CrimPR 2025, SI 2025/909, rr 3.16–3.18 relate specifically to cases in the magistrates’ court. See Practice Note: Case management in the magistrates’ courts. CrimPR 2025, SI 2025/909, rr 3.19–3.34 govern Crown Court cases and are explained in this Practice Note. The CrimPR provide for two principal types of case management hearing in the Crown Court, which are outlined in greater detail below: plea and trial preparation hearings (PTPHs), and further case management hearings (FCMHs) An FCMH should be listed only where a case is complex in nature. Consequently, in the majority of cases, after the PTPH the next occasion before the court will be the trial hearing....

This Practice Note summarises the Court of Justice of the European Union, its structure and powers. Judicial bodies of the Court of Justice of the EU The Court of Justice of the EU (often called the CJEU) comprises the Court of Justice and the General Court; it also included the Civil Service Tribunal until its closure in September 2016. These courts possess distinct jurisdictions and operate under slightly different procedures, as outlined below. The Court of Justice Jurisdiction The Court of Justice has competence to decide on: references for preliminary rulings under Article 267 TFEU. Regulation 2024/2019, amending Protocol No 3 to the Statute of the Court of Justice of the EU and applicable from 1 October 2024, introduced provisions transferring part of the preliminary ruling jurisdiction from the Court of Justice to the General Court (see The General Court below). All requests for preliminary rulings are first submitted to the Court of Justice, which determines whether they should be...